So a close game expected but a slight leaning towards Greencaps.

Will Props have the upper hand?

As per normal, the first contest for the year between these two sides will be played for the Fuchs/Tiller Shield with Props holding the upperhand in previous meetings.

However, Risdon are in with a real chance in this match as they showed good form in a convincing win over Sollies.

Their batting looks to be more settled with the inclusion of Jeff Twigden who made 31 last week in his first game for his new club.

Damien Wauchope is another player with lots of experience and must make runs in this match.

I think the impressive thing about the Risdon lineup is the talent of the Pine boys Dan playing very well last week, scoring 66 not out.

He must continue in his form into this week’s match against much strong opposition.

Cameron Pine has also improved his batting with handy contributions in the past few years and there is also Brad Pine who is a dangerous hitter in the lower order.

As for bowling, Jarrad Adams and Cameron Pine continue to get the job done.

Jeff Twigden adds much needed experience as does Jason Dyer, which is pleasing to see as he has returned to help out their young side.

As for Props they are searching for their first win of the season as they have recorded a narrow loss to Wandearah last week.

Their coach Dwayne Sedunary will no doubt get them up for this gameas they are a proud club and very rarely lose two in a row.

Sedunary himself, Andrew Fuchs and Simon Fuchs must lead the way and get amongst the runs.

Other players such as Peter Bessen and Adam Wade must also produce for their side.

Youngster Reese Fowler showed some promise with the bat last game and could gain a promotion in the order.

As for their bowling, Tyson Horsnell, Sedunary, Reese Fowler and Kain Wallace must take early wickets so Simon Fuchs can come on and bowl to the middle and lower order of Risdon.

This would help to set up a Prop victory.

In summing up this match, I think Risdon will be a big improver this year but I do think Props, with their experience, will win this match.

Big challenge ahead for young Solomontown

A big challenge lies ahead for the young Solly side up against the experienced and regular finalist in Wandearah, who last week were beaten by the improved South-Port.

As I state most weeks Sollies must change their approach to batting if they are to win games as they are far too slow and it causes them to continually bat themselves into trouble.

Last week Dale Williams led the way for his side with a half-century and Darien Hayes also batted well but they must get more from their other batsmen.

If Adam Rontaunay is to continue opening in the batting he must start making runs if he is to survive at this level.

Other players that must make more of a contribution are James Zubrinich who has played enough A Grade to make runs, and Sunil Cook who moved clubs for more opportunity so he must make the most of it.

As for their bowling Damien Hardaker is bowling well, Hayes is a proven performer, while youngsters Ashley Johnson, Colby Mudge and Tyler Thorpe will improve with every outing.

Their opponent Wandearah will be angry in losing last week and will come out firing this week.

Batsmen such as Marcus Ganley, Adam Wilson and Gabe Turci will be the key batsmen in this match for the Solly bowlers to dismiss as they are all good players for their bowling.

Matt Thornton continues to bowl well with Marc Congdon and Adam Wilson lending good support as usual.

So for a Sollies victory their batsmen must take on the Wandies attack to give themselves a chance but Wandearah won’t allow that as they are far too experienced. So I expect Wandearah to record an easy victory in this match, leaving Sollies winless.